Periodically, I hear about some really unique places that are not only handicapped accessible, but set up and geared directly towards people with disabilities. Also, I hear of locations that people with disabilities find to be very accessible and enjoyable. If you get an opportunity, please visit these places. And as always, please let me know at places@afarcry.info if you would like to add something to the list.
Catfish Camp - Rock River, Illinois
Gene's Custom Strings - Spooner, Wisconsin
Golden Access Passport - all US National Parks
Ironwood Springs Christian Camp - Stewartville, MN
LORDA - Westville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Paradise Shores - Holcombe, Wisconsin
Pine Forest Lodge - Mercer, Wisconsin
Sunset Pines Resort - Willard, Wisconsin
Hidden on the banks of the Rock River in northwestern Illinois is 100 acres of paradise I like to call the Catfish Camp .A get together of catfisherman from across the country takes place here each year so thus the name. This land is avaliable for camping if you feel the need to while here. There is also a local hotel which offers excellent discounted rates for my clients. Along with the obvious fishing oppurtunities there are horseshoes and bon-fires and peace and quiet to be had. While here you may want to venture the short 20 miles to fish the Mighty Mississippi with me. On the fishing trips you will need nothing but your food and drinks, the rest is provided. Come and enjoy this great peace of the country. I hope you will love it as much as I do.
Catmatt
matt@procats.com
They are proud to announce that construction is completed on their Indoor Archery Range! It is the worlds largest, privately owned olympic size, indoor archery range. This is a fully equipped facility. The indoor arena is 40 x 340 feet, with 16 shooting lanes. Shoot Recurves and Compounds from 0-90 meters indoors! Handicap accessible. The surface is concrete with sand and shavings. A full service Archery Pro Shop is attached to the Archery Arena. Concessions also available. Outdoor animal course and 3D target available (for bow only).
eugene054@centurytel.net
Phone: 715-635-3874
The National Parks Service offers the Golden Access Passport which is a free, lifetime admission pass issued to U.S. citizens or persons who permanently reside (are domiciled) in the United States, regardless of age, and who have a medical determination and documentation of blindness or permanent disability. The pass is valid at National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Tennessee Valley Authority sites with admission fees.
The Golden Access Passport admits the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass owner, spouse, parents, and children. At parks that charge individual fees, the pass admits the pass owner, spouse, parents, and children. The pass also entitles other persons accompanying the owner, such as a care assistant.
The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass owner will be given the 50% price reduction. The Passport is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
Golden Access Passports may be obtained only in person and upon proof of eligibility. A complete listing of available parks can be found at http://www.nps.gov/parks.html
Ironwood Springs Christian Camp
Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is a Christian Camp in Southern Minnesota serving over 22,000 people per year. Our purpose is to provide an atmosphere and opportunity for adults and children to get to know themselves, others and God better. We strive to do this through our lives, words, and activities by conducting ourselves in a manner pleasing to God. You will be impressed by the progress on the 27-room Miracle Lodge. This is an awesome, totally accessible facility that is available for our 22ND Wheelchair Sports Camp.
The Leese family of Westville have created a haven for the disabled and seniors in Nova Scotia, Canada. A special place for a special segment of society to enjoy, nestled in over 300 acres of lush forest. Upon entering the expansive park grounds one immediately experiences a sense of serenity and calm. This recreational/wilderness park has much to offer besides nature at it's best, fishing, tenting, Bocce Courts and plenty of picnic tables, gazebos and seating to enjoy a barbecue or a picnic for any size group. Several ponds are located in the park, which offer excellent trout fishing and everything is absolutely free of charge.
Paradise Shores is a Northern Wisconsin vacation, recreation, conference center, and elegant restaurant on 4,000-acre beautiful Lake Holcombe. They have several barrier-free rooms, paved trails leading down to the docks with ramps so that wheelchairs can access several of the docks. Pontoon rental is available locally. They also have a licensed fishing guide on staff.
http://www.paradiseshores.com/index.html
On beautiful Spider Lake in the true Northwoods of Wisconsin near Mercer, Wisconsin.
John has been working very hard to make the entire resort wheelchair accessible. Four of the year 'round cabins are now wheelchair accessible; Aspen, Alder, Ironwood II and Maple.
Adaptive toys such as sit water skis and hand crank bikes can be arranged with enough notice. They offer wheelchair basketball and badminton, and sea kayaking, sailing and canoeing with our adaptable equipment. A pontoon boat is an easy way to enjoy the lake.
The main lodge and three docks are accessible. There is a gentle sloping terrain to the water with relatively flat areas for a bonfire, swimming, picnicing, and outdoor games. Please call for more details.
They also host events at the resort where all or part of the resort is dedicated to an activity geared to people with disabilities and family/friends. Family Camps and Resort Weekends offer the wide range of activities available in the Pine Forest Lodge. An ATV Rally and a Kayak Week are geared to specific activities.
http://www.pineforestlodge.com/index.htm
For The Disabled And Able Vacationer! SunSet Pines is a fully accessible year-round resort, nestled in the rural Wisconsin farm countryside. They host the largest disabled gun/deer hunt in the nation during the first week of October. The 4.5 acre lake on the resort is stocked with bass, walleye and hybrid bluegills. All fishing is accessible by wheelchair and the 40 acres of woods connected with the property has about a mile of surfaced roads through it with 3 different hunting blinds. They also have a pontoon docked on Mead Lake that is one mile away and rentable.
